Ernie Ball: String Theory featuring Shavo Odadjian of System Of A Down

String Theory is a web series from Ernie Ball that explores the sonic origins of some of music's most innovative players. In this episode, Ernie Ball​ artist Shavo Odadjian of System Of A Down discusses his influences, his history with playing guitar, and his Ernie Ball strings.

[PedroHenrique-cify]

OMFG! At 5:19 Shavo says that when he is performing live he likes to look right in the eye of someone in the crowd to create a connection and he does this every show because this was what happened when he was a kid.
In 2011, SOAD came for the first time to Brazil, and I was 15. I was in the first row and I remeber vividly the moment that he looked me right in the eye!!!! I kept telling this to my family and friends for weeks!!
Good God Shavo, you're a wonderful human being!

[skeletonseason]

it's cool hearing a pro musician talk about eye contact during shows.

[krispittet]

Shavo is so underrated, he lays down the backbone for System. Shavo's playing gives Daron so much to work with. They sound so great together. Serj's vocals and John's beats mixed in makes System such an incredible band. Huge fan; always have been.

[itsjustfrancely]

Who saw this right after watching Daron's string theory?

[rhinocore]

He has such a soft, kind voice. Never heard him speak before. Makes me love him all the more.

[terasophe]

Shavo is a major influence in my playing. He knows his place and does it well. He also writes a lot of the guitar parts with Daron and is basically the manager of the band. He's more important than people think :)

[benlooper]

2:29 Shavo catches himself before saying "hooked up with Daron" 😂

[VladPandele]

In my opinion, "Mind" has the creepiest opening bassline I've ever heard...

[eethantaylorr]

I can't like this video enough. Ernie ball needs to do MORE bass videos!

[chitoryu]

The explanation about using a B string for a C string is actually really helpful!

[Robert-dtis]

You don't have to be technical to be a really good bass player. You gotta put passion and heart INTO your playing. People can feel that.

[alfalfabojengels]

He’s a wonderful soul isn’t he?! This guy’s bass lines never gets old. SOAD would have not sounded as wickedly head banging if it wasn’t for this guy’s creative chops. Some people were just born to play bass and he’s one of them. Hope he can convince the rest to record another album. So much more to offer with these talented badasses

[Griffinstorm]

good to know i'm not the only one who plays mr jack and spiders as one

[naveenwilson-moola]

(4:31) Shavo checking to make sure Daron isn’t there to bust him for playing guitar.

[flan.flan]

Are we just going to ignore how smoothly Shavo switched from “War?” to “Sugar” at the end?

[cloud_nv]

Ernie Ball is cool, I was broke they were cheap, the color was nice, and I've always stuck with them.

[Screamikoulas]

Of course he's not Shavo, where is the rest of the beard

[urgx]

5:25
I'll never forget the time I was at a Deftones show and I yelled at Stefen Carpenter and he looked right back at me and gave me the \m/
It's exactly the same experience, I will always remember it, it was amazing

[manifestgtr]

I love that he’s playing Spiders. That’s one of my favorite bass riffs from the late 90s…so mournful and relaxing

[vluke]

Bass players play guitar in a very distinct way